Style: Now & Later

BY KIMBERLY GARRETT, PLUSH STYLIST AND PERSONAL SHOPPER

As a personal shopper and stylist, it’s no secret that I love fashion. And for me, there’s nothing more exciting than finding that holy grail – something that can seamlessly transition between seasons with a few simple changes. Here are my go-to pieces to buy and wear now – and keep handy for fall.

LEOPARD WEDGESWear it now: With denim boyfriend jeans, a tank (I like the look of an army green tank), and an arm of bangles.Wear later: Keep your summer look, just add a blazer and trade summer bangles for a light scarf instead.Why I love it: Leopard is everywhere this fall, so adding a touch of the print can instantly update your wardrobe, and with leopard, a little goes a long way.

WIDE LEG PANTSWear it now: Because the pants are loose, go with a more fitted top, and if you are comfortable with your arms (not everyone is) go with a tank. A belt will break up the tight top and wide bottoms, and make the look so polished.Wear it later: Keep the belt, but trade your tank for a super-soft cashmere top – and layer on a jacket.Why I love it: Wide leg pants are universally flattering. Who doesn’t want their legs to look longer and leaner? They are one of the pieces in your closet that should be tailored to perfection and they can create a new illusion for you body.

WHITE BUTTON-DOWNWear it now: Look cool and crisp by pairing with a camel skirt (which will also be huge for fall). Add gold jewelry, a classic tote, and sunglasses.Wear it later: Keep the skirt and add a pair of tights, or switch to wool trousers and a belt. Keep the gold jewelry, tote, and sunglasses.Why I love it: This is a piece every woman should own. It can be paired with almost anything in your closet and as long as it’s clean and pressed, it will make your look pulled together. It can be the most conservative piece in your wardrobe or one of the sexiest. It’s all about how you style it.

3/4-SLEEVE BLAZERWear it now: To instantly pull together any look, throw over your favorite summer dress, or pair with a tank and denim shorts or a skirt. Make sure the jacket is tailored perfectly – when it comes to jackets, fit is everything.Wear it later: Pair with jeans or trousers, but stay away from wide leg because you can end up looking boxy. If you do choose to wear wide leg pants, belt the blazer to emphasize your waist.Why I love it: For me, this is a definite must-have. If you can, invest in black, charcoal, and white versions. I usually suggest spending less on staple pieces and more on bags, shoes, and other accessories, but this is an exception. Jackets should be of good quality with an expensive fabric so they last. Spend the time (and an extra few bucks) to have it tailored, and you will find yourself wearing it a few times a week. Totally worth it.

JEAN JACKETWear it now: With just about anything! It’s the quintessential summer jacket. Right now I’m wearing mine over a romper.Wear it later: Layer over a short or longsleeve shirt, and just make sure your bottoms aren’t denim! Some designers pulled off the denim-on-denim look in their Spring 2010 collections on the runway, but for the most part I wouldn’t recommend it for everyday wear.Why I love it: Denim is everywhere this summer, and this piece can easily transition into fall. Chances are it will keep coming back in style, so don’t toss it come winter. If you have an old jean jacket that looks dated, try cutting off the sleeves and making it into a vest.

BLACK SKIRTWear it now: I love to jazz up the classic black skirt with a trend, like a tank in a neon shade.Wear it later: Black skirts are universal, so most longsleeve shirts or sweaters will work. The mini length is going to be huge for fall, but since it’s short, pair with tights and ballet flats.Why I love it: Another staple, and a piece you should hold on to since it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. You can create a trendy look around the skirt, and black has a tendency to make legs look thinner.

SILK BLOUSE (in a blush color)Wear it now: With your little black skirt! Just add a pair of flats and jewelry – très chic.Wear it later: Switch the black skirt for black jeans or trousers, and a pair of booties or heels (this color looks amazing with black!).Why I love it: Tons of designers showed blouses on their runways for spring and fall, but it’s important to know how to wear them. A silk blush-colored blouse with black on the bottom is flattering on just about everyone and is suitable for most occasions. It can be your “go-to” outfit for summer and fall.